PUNCH BACK TWICE AS HARD: Greek Leaders Go On The Offensive At UVA. “Greek leaders say they would like the university to apologize, publicly release records that explain the basis of its decision to suspend the Greek system and outline how it will restore the reputation of fraternities and students at the university. The requests were outlined Sunday in a joint statement by leaders of the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee, the National Panhellenic Conference and the North American Interfraternity Conference.” It’s interesting to see the national organizations — who have been pretty accommodating to college pressures recently — coming out like this. And I love the FOIA requests. I expect they’ll find something interesting. They’re certainly right to come out swinging here, because the Greek system is in an existential struggle, whether it realizes it or not. I think maybe it does. As a great man said, “punch back twice as hard.” And FOIA the White House for communications with UVA administrators, too. . . .
UPDATE: Some folks in the comments doubt that this will amount to much. Well, that depends on how dedicated the Greeks are, and how recalcitrant the University is. If it comes to a slugging match, the Greeks have more in the way of political resources — alumni, their impact on student recruiting, bad publicity, etc. — than the University does, probably. Ultimately, the bureaucrats at the Women’s Center and the Diversity Office don’t have a broad base of support. Normally they win because they care and nobody else notices what’s going on, but an out-and-out fight will change that dynamic dramatically. My guess is that the UVA administration knows this, and will cut a deal.